Graphene Oxide Enhanced Nanocellulose/Chitosan Biodegradable Aerogel Pad for Fresh Pork Preservation

This study aimed to prepare a degradable bacteriostatic aerogel pad using nanocellulose (CNC) as a matrix material, chitosan (CTS) as cross-linking agent, and graphene oxide (GO) as a reinforcement phase using a freeze-drying technique to absorb pork exudate and extend pork’s shelf life. With an increase in GO concentration, the network structure in CNC/CTS/GO aerogel was more uniform, and the mechanical properties, water adsorption capacity, and bacterial inhibition were gradually enhanced. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that adding of GO affected the chemical structure and thermal stability of the aerogels. Based upon effects of GO concentration on the structure and properties of the CNC/CTS/GO aerogel, 0.4 wt% of GO was selected to prepare aerogels for use as packaging pads for fresh pork. At 4 °C, the aerogel pads in of the GO-0.4 group could absorb the juices released throughout the pork storage process, delay pork color deterioration, and inhibit microorganism growth as well as decrease in pH and the total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) content, thus prolonging the fresh pork’s shelf life.